Kalyn Ponga has been officially ruled out of the final State of Origin fixture after scans confirmed a grade one hamstring tear, possibly keeping Ben Hunt's job alive after a disastrous second outing put his selection in the spotlight.

The Knights sensation hobbled off the field early into Newcastle's devastating loss to Canterbury on Saturday night, failing to return and help rescue what was left of their disappointing season.

The injury will keep him sidelined for three to four weeks, but the club is hoping to welcome back the long-awaited return of skipper Mitchell Pearce after next week's bye round.

It is expected Kevin Walters will rely on Manly halfback Daly Cherry-Evans in some capacity, with some reports suggesting he may even start over Hunt who could be demoted to the bench.

Reckon DCE can start getting ready for Origin return. Hearing he will beat Hunt for No.7 jersey but even if Maroons retain Hunt, Ponga hammy may mean DCE on bench. That said, expecting Hunt to be gone. Mbye could also come in contention for bench sans Ponga